Cycle Canada Bicycle Tours

Cycle Canada Logo

Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii

Explore British Columbia's West Coast

Our tour to Haida Gwaii is a cycling trip with the added attraction of a day long boat cruise.

Vancouver, B.C. to Queen Charlotte City, B.C.

Haida Gwaii is a supported tour and accommodation is indoor. We'll start on mainland B.C. in Vancouver and travel up Vancouver Island to Port Hardy. From Port Hardy we'll travel by ship to Prince Rupert via the spectacular Inside Passage where we'll have a rest day. From Prince Rupert it's another ferry trip to Haida Gwaii.

Cycling will be on paved roads.

2019 will be the fifth staging of this event and cyclists will have an opportunity to travel to this remote destination by bicycle and ferry.

We encourage participants to extend their stay on the islands and explore the region through local tour operators.

To learn more about the level of support on Cycle Canada's tours please visit Frequently Asked Questions

Calendar Register

Tour Itinerary

Testimonials

To the top of Vancouver Island

Leaving Vancouver it's a cross-town ride to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. The first day is a short warm up day and the terrain is gentle.

From Nanaimo we head north to Port Hardy, at the north end of Vancouver Island.

Ferry trip through Inside Passage

From Port Hardy at the top of Vancouver Island we travel for a full day by ferry through the spectacular Inside Passage to northern British Columbia.

Haida Gwaii riders will have a day to explore Prince Rupert, time for relaxing or enjoying local activities.

From Prince Rupert we take a ferry sailing to Haida Gwaii.

Haida Gwaii

Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, the name was officially changed by the British Columbia Government in December 2009 as part of a historic reconcilliation agreement between the province and the Haida Nation. Haida Gwaii is often referred to as the Galapagos of the north.

After our ferry trip to the islands, we'll be heading to Masset. We spend the night there and there will be an optional ride to see Tow Hill. Then we ride to Port Clements, where there is a short ride or hike to the site of the Golden Spruce. For pre-ride research we recommend: The Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness and Greed. Riders will have a chance to visit the Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate on the day that we go to Queen Charlotte City.

Extend your stay

We encourage riders to extend their stay on the islands. Riders can choose from one day to 4 day self guided or supported tours by land or sea. We'll put you in touch with operators for tours to see ancient Haida villages, humpbacked whales, kayaking or diving. There are plenty of hiking opportunities as well so bring your hiking boots.

Tour Summary Dates and Fees

  • Vancouver, B.C. to Queen Charlotte City, Haida Gwaii, B.C.
  • Custom
  • Fees are per person in Canadian funds, double accommodation
Type Fee GST Total
Tour Fee
Optional Single Supplement
  • Total amount includes Registration Fee ($150.00) and Deposit ($250.00) which are non-refundable (please refer to our cancellation policy)
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • Single room option may be limited. We are not able guarantee ensuite bathrooms.

Accommodation & Meals

  • Nights indoor — 12 nights (on alternate years includes one night on ferry)
  • 9 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners

We recommend you obtain travel, medical and personal insurance.

Please read our policy statement for Cycle Canada events: Policies

You'll find information on other great cycling tours in Canada here: Cycle Canada Events.

Distances and Rating

  • Total days — 11
  • Riding days — 8
  • Rest day — 1
  • Ferry trips — 2
  • Total distance by bike 655 km ( 405 mi.)
  • Daily average 82 km (51 mi.)
  • We have a rest day in Prince Rupert
  • Longest day — 103 km (63 mi.)

Challenge Level: Two and a half Cogs (medium to high challenge)